ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies elements of cultural exposure that provide autonomous learning opportunities and individual factors that determine whether a learner will learn from cultural exposure. Drawing on experiential learning theory, it presents a model that depicts how the breadth and depth of an international experience plus the cultural context to which one is exposed combine to produce the experiential elements needed for learning cultural intelligence (CQ) autonomously. Autonomous learning in a cross-cultural context means learners have an intrinsic need to learn about other cultures, would self-initiate learning activities within a new cultural environment and assume their responsibility to develop skills to work effectively with other cultures. Cultural exposures differ in their ability to stimulate or impair cultural learning based on the unique cultural context. The model put forth in the chapter also has important implications for employees who seek to develop a global career and for companies looking to select and develop their international talents.
